"Today's announcement is not only a further boost for the company and the local economy, but a major vote of confidence in the Broughton workforce."

Alwyn Rowlands, North Wales officer for the engineering union Amicus, said grant aid would represent a massive vote of confidence in the local skilled workforce, despite opposition from US giants Boeing to state support for the European Airbus project.

"Irrespective of the row between Boeing and Airbus across the world on grants, it is the right thing to do because the return to Wales plc's economy is well worth it," Mr Rowlands said.

Alyn and Deeside AM Carl Sargeant said: "This is potentially a huge investment and raises the skills levels of people in Wales."